The state of the Chicago Bears running back room has been a point of discussion all offseason. However, it has largely been unchanged since the end of the 2024 campaign.
The biggest addition has been rookie Kyle Monangai. But as a seventh-round pick, he is more of a lottery ticket than a surefire first-year option. Still, based on how the Bears’ running back depth chart is currently set, Monangai should have an opportunity to prove himself throughout the offseason.
Damian Parson of Bleacher Report expects him to do much more than that throughout training camp. As head coach Ben Johnson evaluates his running back situation entering 2025, Parson argues that Monangai is in a place to make an, ‘immediate impact.’
“Monangai has the opportunity to walk out of summer workouts and camps as the RB2 behind Swift,” Parson wrote. “He could unseat the veteran on rushing downs and relegate Swift to the pass-catching, third-down role. Despite being selected in the seventh round, his college tape does not show a late-Day 3 prospect.”
“Monangai may have the most complete skill set of any running back on the Bears roster,” Parson concluded. “Once practices become more physical, his natural running instincts should stand out and give him a real shot at earning a key role as a rookie.”
What Kyle Monangai offers Chicago Bears
Monangai fell to the seventh round due to his lack of size and true top end speed. However, it’s not like Chicago just picked his name out of a hat. Clearly Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles have a vision of the running back fitting into the offseason.
But how big Monangai’s role will be, especially as a rookie, is still up for debate. As it stands, both D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson are ahead of him on the depth chart, if not Travis Homer and Ian Wheeler.
Swift is slated to lead the backfield once again in 2025. His debut with the Bears saw him earn a career-high 253 carries, gaining 959 yards and six touchdowns. The near 1,000 yards is impressive, but Swift averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. Johnson matched his six touchdowns, but earned just 55 carries and 150 yards. Swift has played under Johnson – the coach – and Johnson – the running back – has received glowing praise from Poles. But it’s clear to see how Monangai has an opening to make an impact.
Over his five years at Rutgers, Monangai ran for 3,222 yards and 27 touchdowns. As a junior, he led the Big Ten with 1,262 rushing yards. Then, Monangai finished even stronger, setting new career-highs in rushing yards (1,279) and touchdowns (13). He was named First-team All-Big Ten.
Being a seventh-round pick, Monangai will truly need to prove himself to get on the field, let alone have an immediate impact role. However, Johnson is wiping the slate clean as he comes to Chicago. The running back will be given ample opportunity throughout the offseason program to show how strong he is.
If Monangai develops into the Bears’ liking, perhaps Chicago has found a true diamond in the rough. How Johnson builds out his running back room, and where the rookie stands, will be key talking point for the Bears all the way up to Week 1.
Chicago Bears rookie Luther Burden’s NFL Draft call out comes full circle
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
